Maine to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,150 miles from Maine to Kentucky ranges from $888 to $1,404. Expect the trip to take around two–eight days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky to Maine car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Maine to Kentucky car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Maine to Kentucky:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Maine
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Maine who can get your vehicle to Kentucky:
- Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- CraftsTransport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.
84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468
sullivansauto.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 541179
Xpress Auto Transport
23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401
xpressautoship.com/city/bangor-maine
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
CraftsTransport
138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605
craftstransport.com/index.html
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Maine to Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Maine to Kentucky, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,150 miles to your car on the trip from Maine to Kentucky. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Maine to Kentucky, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Maine to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Maine and Kentucky. The average journey covers about 1,150 miles and takes roughly two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Kentucky
| From Maine to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Louisville, KY | $792 – $1,242 | 1,080 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Lexington, KY | $808 – $1,254 | 1,023 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Bowling Green, KY | $940 – $1,341 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Owensboro, KY | $854 – $1,297 | 1,186 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Covington, KY | $764 – $1,196 | 983 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Kentucky
| From Maine to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Louisville, KY | $811 – $1,283 | 1,113 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Lexington, KY | $760 – $1,317 | 1,056 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Bowling Green, KY | $894 – $1,369 | 1,232 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Owensboro, KY | $959 – $1,482 | 1,218 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Covington, KY | $768 – $1,305 | 1,015 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Kentucky
| From Maine to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Louisville, KY | $913 – $1,454 | 1,209 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Lexington, KY | $837 – $1,390 | 1,152 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Bowling Green, KY | $969 – $1,419 | 1,329 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Owensboro, KY | $959 – $1,478 | 1,315 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Covington, KY | $888 – $1,377 | 1,112 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Kentucky
| From Maine to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Louisville, KY | $776 – $1,254 | 1,082 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Lexington, KY | $808 – $1,267 | 1,024 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Bowling Green, KY | $940 – $1,439 | 1,202 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Owensboro, KY | $871 – $1,350 | 1,187 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Covington, KY | $764 – $1,209 | 984 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Kentucky
| From Maine to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Louisville, KY | $888 – $1,297 | 1,110 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Lexington, KY | $815 – $1,229 | 1,053 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Bowling Green, KY | $913 – $1,425 | 1,230 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Owensboro, KY | $940 – $1,468 | 1,216 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Covington, KY | $760 – $1,267 | 1,013 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Kentucky
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Maine to Kentucky, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,110–$1,755.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Kentucky
When arranging car transport from the Pine Tree State to the Bluegrass State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The route from Maine to Kentucky is about 1,150 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Maine around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Maine and Kentucky and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Kentucky means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Maine
More than 1.4 million people call Maine home. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
Transporting your vehicle to Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maine and delivery in Kentucky?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Maine and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, which you should verify before loading your car in Maine.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Kentucky is about 1,150 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Maine to Kentucky.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in Maine, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in Maine, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Maine to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maine and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Kentucky is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Maine to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Maine to Kentucky costs $888 to $1,404.
